Absorbent articles providing skin health benefits

ABSTRACT

A superior skin barrier enhancing body facing material, such as a body side liner on an absorbent article, can be made by applying, on the outer surface of the body facing material, a lipid-enriched hydrophobic composition comprising a natural fat or oil, a sterol or sterol derivative, an emulsifying surfactant, a humectant, an emollient, a wax, and a viscosity enhancer, and thereafter resolidifying the composition to form a distribution of solid composition on the outer surface of the body facing material.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the inclusion of alipid-enriched hydrophobic lotion on the body facing material ofdisposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, adultincontinence products, underpants, and feminine care products and thelike. More particularly, the present invention relates to improving skinhealth via enhancement of skin barrier function by the delivery of lipidand non-lipid materials from the body facing material of disposableabsorbent articles to the skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The stratum corneum is the outer-most layer of the skin and isresponsible for regulating skin water levels and functioning as abarrier against chemicals and other stressors found in the environment.The complex arrangement of lipids in the intercellular space of thestratum corneum is responsible for the establishment of normal barrierfunction. Multi-layered structures of cholesterol, ceramides, and fattyacids, as well as some other minor lipids, provides the major barrier tothe transport of hydrophillic substances into the or through the skin.The link between the barrier function and skin health is apparent fromthe skin inflammation caused by lipid extraction from the skin.

[0003] Skin barrier can be damaged due to a number of mechanisms.Physical abrasion, for example caused by the repeated rubbing ofabrasive materials, such as absorbent tissues or wipes, on the skin,strips away layers of the skin and thus damages skin barrier. Biologicalfluids, such as urine, feces and vaginal secretions, may contain avariety of components that can damage skin barrier. Examples of thesecomponents include proteases, lipases and bile acids. Once the skinbarrier is compromised, these components, in addition to otherconstituents of biological fluids, can initiate or exacerbate skininflammation.

[0004] Diaper dermatitis, for example, is a genre of skin conditionsthat, in large part, originate from impaired barrier function.Impairment of the skin barrier can result from a variety of factors,including; increased skin hydration due to the occlusion of the skincaused by diapers, enzymatic skin damage due to fecal and urinaryenzymes, and physical damage caused by repeated cleaning of the skinwith cloths or wet wipes.

[0005] Excessive hydration also has a negative impact on skin barrier.The hydration level of diapered skin, for example, may reach betweenfive to ten times that of undiapered skin. Frequent contact of diaperedskin with urine may also contribute to increased skin hydration.Increased skin hydration disrupts skin lipid organization in the stratumcorneum. This disruption may increase the skin permeability of irritantsfrom feces and urine, thus increasing the risk of skin inflammation.

[0006] Diapered skin is normally cleansed several times a day with wipesutilizing solutions containing surfactants. The surfactants can extractlipids from the stratum corneum or disorganize the lipid structurewithin the stratum corneum, thereby decreasing the barrier function. Thewipe material can cause physical damage to the skin and thus lead todecreased barrier function.

[0007] Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants,adult incontinence products, absorbent under pants, and feminine careproducts have been used to absorb body fluids and leave the skin dry.Disposable absorbent articles of this type generally comprise a liquidimpermeable back sheet member, an absorbent core or assembly, and aliquid permeable body facing material. It is the body facing materialthat comes into contact with the wearer's skin. While the body facingmaterial is made of a soft compliant material, it can abrade the skinduring use and may not leave the skin completely dry and free of thebodily fluids, such as solid or semi-solid waste, the absorbent articleis trying to absorb. During frequent insults of bodily fluids andfrequent use of disposable absorbent articles, the skin can become soabraded as to appear red and be sore to the touch.

[0008] Typically, barrier creams, lotions or ointments are used toprovide an artificial hydrophobic barrier on the skin and treat skinconditions such as diaper rash. The application of these chemistries tothe skin is often messy and inconvenient. They are typically used onlywhen signs of diaper rash are apparent.

[0009] Diaper liners may be treated with emollients, such as petrolatum,that can be transferred to the skin through normal diapering practices.Once transferred to the skin, diaper liner formulations may provide anartificial barrier against feces and urine. These formulations mayrequire high concentrations of petrolatum to ensure sufficient transferto the skin for a health benefit. High concentrations of petrolatum canbe messy, greasy to the touch, and may impair the fluid handlingproperties of an absorbent article, such as a diaper. The slowpenetration of petrolatum into the skin can lead to smearing of theagent over the skin and onto clothes and other materials.

[0010] Thus, what is needed in the art is:

[0011] Topical chemistry delivered from a bodyside material of anabsorbent article that protects, maintains, and/or recovers skin barrieragainst irritants in biological fluids.

[0012] Topical chemistry delivered from a bodyside material of anabsorbent article that absorbs into the skin, is non-greasy andcosmetically acceptable to the consumer.

[0013] Topical chemistry delivered from a bodyside material of absorbentarticle that does not impair the waste containment functions of thediaper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] It has been discovered that superior skin barrier enhancingdisposable absorbent articles can be made using a skin barrierenhancing, oil based-hydrophobic composition comprising from about 0.1to about 95 weight percent natural fats or oils, from about 0.1 to about10 weight percent—sterols and sterol derivatives, from about 0.5 toabout 20 weight percent of humectant, from about 1 to about 20 weightpercent of water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant/surfactant combinationhaving an HLB range from about 3 to about 6, from about 5 to about 95weight percent emollient, from about 5 to about 95 weight percent wax,and from about 1 to about 25 weight percent viscosity enhancer. Thecomposition may have a melting point from about 30° C. to about 100° C.and a process viscosity of greater than about 50 centipoise. Also, thecomposition may have a penetration hardness of from about 5 millimetersto 360 millimeters.

[0015] Hence, in one aspect, the present invention is a skin barrierenhancing disposable absorbent article that can be made applying, on theouter surface of the body facing material, a melted lipid-enrichedhydrophobic composition comprising an emollient, a wax, a viscosityenhancer, a humectant, a water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant having anHLB range from about 3 to about 6, a sterol and sterol derivative, and anatural fat or oil, and thereafter resolidifying the composition to forma distribution on the outer surface of the body facing material. Becausethe composition is a solid at room temperature and rapidly solidifiesafter application, it has less tendency to penetrate and migrate intothe body facing material. Compared to body facing materials treated withliquid formulations, this leaves a greater percentage of the added solidlotion composition on the surface of the body facing material where itcan contact and transfer to the user's skin to provide enhanced skinhealth benefits. Furthermore, a lower add-on amount can be used todeliver the same benefit at a lower cost because of the efficientplacement of the composition substantially at the surface of the bodyfacing material of the absorbent articles.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention is a body facingmaterial wherein the outer surface of the material has solidifieddeposits of an oil based-hydrophobic composition comprising from about0.1 to about 95 weight percent natural fats or oils, from about 0.1 toabout 10 weight percent sterols and sterol derivatives, from about 0.5to about 20 weight percent of humectant, from about 1 to about 20 weightpercent of water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant/surfactant combinationhaving an HLB range from about 3 to about 6, from about 5 to about 95weight percent emollient, from about 5 to about 95 weight percent wax,and from about 1 to about 25 weight percent viscosity enhancer. Thecomposition may have a melting/freezing point of from about 30° C. toabout 100° C. and a process viscosity of greater than about 50centipoise. Also, the composition may have a penetration hardness fromabout 5 millimeters of penetration to 360 millimeters of penetration.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention resides in a method oftreating a body facing material with a composition by comprising: (a) anatural fat or oil, a sterols and sterol combinations, humectant, awater-in-oil emulsifying surfactant(s) having an HBL range from about 3to about 6, an emollient, a wax, and a viscosity enhancer, to atemperature above the melting point of the composition, causing thecomposition to melt; (b) uniformly applying the melted composition tothe outer surface of the body facing material; and (c) resolidifying themelted composition. The composition may have a melting point rangingfrom about 30° C. to about 100° C.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 representatively shows a partially cutaway, top plan viewof an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0019]FIG. 2 representatively shows a partially cutaway, top plan viewof an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] One embodiment of the present invention is a body facing materialcontaining a composition that enhances skin barrier. The composition maycomprise from about 0.1 to about 95 weight percent of natural fats oroils, from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of sterols or sterolderivatives, from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of water-in-oilemulsifying surfactant having an HLB range from about 3 to about 6, fromabout 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of humectant, from about 5 to about95 weight percent of emollient, from about 5 to about 95 weight percentof wax, and from about 1 to about 25 weight percent of viscosityenhancer.

[0021] The composition may have a melting point from about 30° C. toabout 100° C. The composition may have a process viscosity of greaterthan about 50 centipoise. The composition may have a penetrationhardness of from about 5 millimeters to about 360 millimeters. Theadd-on amount of the composition may be from about 0.1 grams per metersquared (g/m²) to about 30 g/m² of the material, and more preferablyfrom about 0.5 g/m² to about 25 g/m².

[0022] The natural fat or oil used in the composition may includesunflower oil, borage, or avocado oil. The sterol or sterol derivativeused in the composition may include soy sterol, cholesterol, orlanasterol. The humectant used in the composition may include glycerin,sorbitol, or hydrodrogenated starch hydrolyzate. The emulsifyingsurfactant used in the composition may include sorbitan oleate, glycerylstearate, or sorbitan stearate. The emollient used in the compositionmay include petrolatum, mineral oil, or cosmetic esters. The wax used inthe composition may include ozokerite, cerasin, or microcrystalline wax.The viscosity enhancer used in the composition may includeethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer or polyethylene.

[0023] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method oftreating a body facing material with a composition that enhances skinbarrier by: (a) heating a composition comprising a natural fat or oil, asterol or sterol derivative, a humectant, a water-in-oil emulsifyingsurfactant having an HLB range from about 3 to about 6, an emollient, awax, and a viscosity enhancer, to a temperature above the melting pointof the composition, causing the composition to melt; (b) applying themelted composition to the outer surface of a body facing material web inspaced-apart deposits; and (c) resolidifying the deposits of the meltedcomposition. The melted composition may be applied by spraying, slotcoating, or printing.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present invention is a skin barrierenhancing composition comprising from about 0.1 to about 95 weightpercent of natural fats or oils, from about 0.1 to about 10 weightpercent of sterols and sterol derivatives, from about 1 to about 20weight percent of water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant having an HLBrange from about 3 to about 6, from about 0.5 to about 20 weight percentof humectant, from about 5 to about 95 weight percent of emollient, fromabout 5 to about 95 weight percent of wax, and from about 1 to about 25weight percent of viscosity enhancer.

[0025] The natural fats or oils of the composition may be selected fromthe group consisting of: avocado oil, apricot oil, babassu oil, borageoil, camellia oil, canola oil, castor oil, chamomile, coconut oil, cornoil, cottonseed oil, evening primrose oil, hemp seed, hydrogenatedcottonseed oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, maleated soybean oil,meadowfoam oil, palm kernel oil, phospholipids, rapeseed oil, palmiticacid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, rose hip oil, safflower, sunfloweroil, soybean oil, sweet almond, PROLIPID 141, or derivatives of naturalfats or oils (such as stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol,and benenyl alcohol, and the like), and mixtures thereof. (PROLIPID iscommercially available from International Specialty Products located inWayne, N.J. PROLIPID is generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,315to Rerek et al. which issued Dec. 15, 1998; the entire disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference to the extent it is consistentherewith.)

[0026] The sterol and sterol derivative of the composition may beselected from the group consisting of: cholesterol, sitosterol,stigmasterol, and ergosterol, lanasterol, soy sterol, avocado sterols,CRODAROM AVOCADIN, sterol esters, and mixtures thereof. The emulsifyingsurfactant of the composition may be selected from the group consistingof: sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sequioleate, sorbitan trioleate,sorbitan stearate, sorbitan tristearate, and mixtures thereof. (CrodaromAvocadin is commercially available from Croda, Inc. located inParsippany, N.J.)

[0027] The humectant of the composition may be selected from the groupconsisting of: glycerin, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, propyleneglycol, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, sorbitol, and mixtures thereof. Theemollient of the composition may be selected from the group consistingof: mineral oils, mineral jellys, petrolatum, cosmetic esters, andmixtures thereof. The wax of the composition may be selected from thegroup consisting of: carnuba, cerasin, cetyl esters, microcrystallinewax, montan wax, ozokerite, synthetic wax, and mixtures thereof. Theviscosity enhancer of the composition may be selected from the groupconsisting of: polyolefin resins, polyolefin polymers, ethylene/vinylacetate copolymers, polyethylene and mixtures thereof.

[0028] The amount of the natural fats or oils used in the compositionmay be from about 0.1 to about 95 weight percent. The amount of thesterols and sterol derivatives used in the composition may be from about0.1 to about 10 percent. The amount of the emulsifying surfactant usedin the composition may be from about 1 to about 20 weight percent. Theamount of the humectant used in the composition may be from about 0.5 toabout 20 weight percent. The amount of the emollient used in thecomposition may be from about 5 to about 95 weight percent. The amountof the wax used in the composition may be from about 5 to about 95weight percent. The amount of the viscosity enhancer used in thecomposition may be from about 1 to about 25 weight percent.

[0029] One embodiment of the composition comprises about 10 weightpercent sunflower oil, about 0.8 weight percent soy sterol, about 1weight percent sorbitan oleate, about 5 weight percent glycerin, about31.2 weight percent petrolatum, about 45 weight percent blend ofmicrocrystalline cetyl esters and ozokerite, and about 7 weight percentviscosity ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer. The blend ofmicrocrystalline wax, cetyl esters, and ozokerite is from about 10 toabout 20 weight percent microcrystalline wax, about 10 to about 20weight percent cetyl esters, and about 60 to about 80 weight percentozokerite.

[0030] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 10 weightpercent borage oil, about 0.8 weight percent soy sterol, about 1 weightpercent sorbitan oleate, about 5 weight percent glycerin, about 26.2weight percent petrolatum, about 50 weight percent wax, and about 7weight percent viscosity ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0031] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 10 weightpercent avocado oil, about 0.8 weight percent soy sterol, about 1 weightpercent sorbitan oleate, about 5 weight percent glycerin, about 31.2weight percent petrolatum, about 45 weight percent of a blend ofozokerite, cetyl esters, microcrystlline wax, and about 7 weight percentviscosity ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer. The blend ofmicrocrystalline wax, cetyl esters, and ozokerite is about 10 to about20 weight percent microcrystalline wax, about 10 to about 20 weightpercent cetyl esters, and about 60 to about 80 weight percent ozokerite.

[0032] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 2 weightpercent PROLIPID 141 (International Specialty Products, Wayne, N.J.),about 10 weight percent sunflower oil, about 1 weight percent soysterol, about 1 weight percent sorbitan oleate, about 5 weight percentglycerin, about 34 weight percent petrolatum, about 32 weight percentcerasin, and about 15 weight percent viscosity polyethylene.

[0033] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 2 weightpercent PROLIPID 141 (International Specialty Products, Wayne, N.J.),about 30 weight percent sunflower oil, about 3 weight percent soysterol, about 5 weight percent sorbitan oleate, about 5 weight percentsorbitol, about 5 weight percent petrolatum, about 40 weight percentozokerite, and about 10 weight percent polyethylene.

[0034] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 5 weightpercent lanolin, about 25 weight percent sunflower oil, about 3 weightpercent cholesterol, about 5 weight percent sorbitan stearate, about 5weight percent hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, about 2 weight percentpetrolatum, about 40 weight percent blend of ozokerite andmicrocrystalline wax, and about 15 weight percent polyethylene. Theblend of microcrystalline wax and ozokerite is about 40 weight percentmicrocrystalline wax and about 60 weight percent ozokerite.

[0035] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 27 weightpercent avocado oil, about 3 weight percent avocadin or avocado sterols,about 2 weight percent glyceryl stearate, about 15 weight percentglycerin, about 3 weight percent petrolatum, about 40 weight percentozokerite, and about 10 weight percent polyethylene.

[0036] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 15 weightpercent avocado oil, about 5 weight percent sterol esters, about 10weight percent glyceryl stearate, about 8 weight percent glycerin, about2 weight percent petrolatum, about 55 weight percent of a blend ofozokerite and cetyl esters, and about 5 weight percent polyethylene. Theblend of cetyl esters and ozokerite is about 10 weight percent cetylesters, and about 90 weight percent ozokerite.

[0037] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 45 weightpercent borage oil, about 10 weight percent avocadin or avocado sterols,about 5 weight percent glyceryl stearate, about 1 weight percentglycerin, about 1 weight percent petrolatum, about 36 weight percentcerasin, and about 2 weight percent polyethylene.

[0038] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 25 weightpercent sunflower oil, about 3 weight percent lanasterol, about 2 weightpercent glyceryl stearate, about 5 weight percent glycerin, about 15weight percent petrolatum, about 45 weight percent of a blend ofozokerite and microcrystalline wax, and about 5 weight percentpolyethylene. The blend of microcrystalline wax and ozokerite is about10 weight percent microcrystalline wax and about 90 weight percentozokerite.

[0039] Another embodiment of the composition comprises about 35 weightpercent avocado oil, about 3 weight percent sitosterol, about 5 weightpercent sorbitan trioleate, about 5 weight percent glycerin, about 1weight percent petrolatum, about 41 weight percent ozokerite, and about10 weight percent polyethylene.

[0040] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method forenhancing/restoring/maintaining the skin barrier function of a user ofabsorbent articles. The method comprises the steps of:

[0041] a) contacting the skin of the user with a body facing materialwherein the body facing material comprises a skin barrierenhancing/restoring/maintaining composition that provides a skin barrierenhancing/restoring/maintaining benefit upon transfer of the compositionfrom the body facing material to the user's skin;

[0042] b) transferring at least a portion of the composition from thebody facing material to the user's skin during use of the absorbentarticle; and,

[0043] c) repeating steps a) and b) with one or more additional bodyfacing material with sufficient frequency to enhance/restore/maintainsaid skin barrier in an area of skin contacted by the body facingmaterial, relative to skin contacted by an equivalent body facingmaterial that does not comprise the skin barrierenhancing/restoring/maintaining composition.

[0044] The skin barrier enhancing/restoring/maintaining composition ofthe method comprises from about 0.1 to about 95 weight percent ofnatural fats or oils, from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent ofsterols and sterol derivatives, from about 1 to about 20 weight percentof water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant having an HLB range from about 3to about 6, from about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of humectant, fromabout 5 to about 95 weight percent of emollient, from about 5 to about95 weight percent of wax, and from about 1 to about 25 weight percent ofviscosity enhancer.

[0045] The composition may have a melting point from about 30° C. toabout 100° C. The resolidified composition may have a process viscositygreater than about 50 centipoise. The resolidified composition may havea penetration hardness of from about 5 to about 360 millimeters. Themethod may further comprise using a body facing material having askin-barrier enhancing/restoring/maintaining composition by the user oneach use occasion. The method may further comprise using a body facingmaterial which does not comprise a skin-barrierenhancing/restoring/maintaining composition by the user intermittently.The method may further comprise using the body facing materialcomprising a skin-barrier enhancing/restoring/maintaining composition bya user whose skin is compromised and with sufficient frequency toimprove skin-barrier function.

[0046] The amount of a natural fat or oil or a mixture of natural fatsor oils in the oil based-hydrophobic composition can be from about 0.1to about 95 weight percent, more specifically from about 5 to about 75weight percent, more specifically from about 10 to about 50 weightpercent. As used herein, the phrase natural fats or oils is understoodto include fats, oils, essential oils, fatty acids, fatty alcohols,phospholipids, and mixtures thereof. As used herein, suitable naturalfats or oils include, but are not limited to, the following materialsclassified according to CTFA designations:

[0047] Fats and Oils:

[0048] Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Seed Oil,Butter, C₁₂-C₁₈ Acid Triglyceride, Camellia Oil, Canola Oil,Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric/LinoleicTriglyceride, Caprylic/Capric/Stearic Triglyceride, Caprylic/CapricTriglyceride, Carrot Oil, Cashew Nut Oil, Castor Oil, Cherry Pit Oil,Chia Oil, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Corn Germ Oil, CornOil, Cottonseed Oil, C₁₀-C₁₈ Triglycerides, Egg Oil, Epoxidized SoybeanOil, Evening Primrose Oil, Glyceryl Triacetyl Hydroxystearate, GlycerylTriacetyl Ricinoleate, Glycosphingolipids, Grape Seed Oil, Hazelnut Oil,Human Placental Lipids, Hybrid Safflower Oil, Hybrid Sunflower Seed Oil,Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Laurate, HydrogenatedCoconut Oil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated C₁₂-C₁₈Triglycerides, Hydrogenated Fish Oil, Hydrogenated Lard, HydrogenatedMenhaden Oil, Hydrogenated Mink Oil, Hydrogenated Orange Roughy Oil,Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Hydrogenated PeanutOil, Hydrogenated Shark Liver Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil,Hydrogenated Tallow, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Lanolin and LanolinDerivatives, Lard, Lauric/Palmitic/Oleic Triglyceride, Lesquerella Oil,Linseed Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Maleated Soybean Oil, Meadowfoam SeedOil, Menhaden Oil, Mink Oil, Moringa Oil, Mortierella Oil, NeatsfootOil, Oleic/Linoleic Triglyceride,Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride, Oleostearine,Olive Husk Oil, Olive Oil, Omental Lipids, Orange Roughy Oil, PalmKernel Oil, Palm Oil, Peach Kernel Oil, Peanut Oil, Pengawar Djambi Oil,Pentadesma Butter, Phospholipids, Pistachio Nut Oil, Placental Lipids,Rapeseed Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Safflower Oil, Sesame Oil, Shark Liver Oil,Shea Butter, Soybean Oil, Sphingolipids, Sunflower Seed Oil, SweetAlmond Oil, Tall Oil, Tallow, Tribehenin, Tricaprin, Tricaprylin,Triheptanoin, Trihydroxymethoxystearin, Trihydroxystearin,Triisononanoin, Triisostearin, Trilaurin, Trilinolein, Trilinolenin,Trimyristin, Trioctanoin, Triolein, Tripalmitin, Trisebacin, Tristearin,Triundecanoin, Vegetable Oil, Walnut Oil, Wheat Bran Lipids, Wheat GermOil, Zadoary Oil, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0049] Fatty Acids:

[0050] Arachidic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Behenic Acid, Capric Acid,Caproic Acid, Caprylic Acid, Coconut Acid, Corn Acid, Cottonseed Acid,Hydrogenated Coconut Acid, Hydrogenated Menhaden Acid, HydrogenatedTallow Acid, Hydroxystearic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Lauric Acid, LinoleicAcid, Linolenic Acid, Linseed Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid, PalmiticAcid, Palm Kernel Acid, Pelargonic Acid, Ricinoleic Acid, Soy Acid,Stearic Acid, Tall Oil Acid, Tallow Acid, Undecanoic Acid, UndecylenicAcid, Wheat Germ Acid, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0051] Fatty Alcohols:

[0052] Behenyl Alcohol, C₉-C₁₁ Alcohols, C₁₂-C₁₃ Alcohols, C₁₂-C₁₅Alcohols, C₁₂-C₁₆ Alcohols, C₁₄-C₁₅ Alcohols, Caprylic Alcohol, CetearylAlcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Alcohol, Decyl Alcohol, HydrogenatedTallow Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Oleyl Alcohol, PalmAlcohol, Palm Kernel Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Tallow Alcohol, TridecylAlcohol, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0053] Essential Oils:

[0054] Anise Oil, Balm Mint Oil, Basil Oil, Bee Balm Oil, Bergamot Oil,Birch Oil, Bitter Almond Oil, Bitter Orange Oil, Calendula Oil,California Nutmeg Oil, Caraway Oil, Cardamom Oil, Chamomile Oil,Cinnamon Oil, Clary Oil, Cloveleaf Oil, Clove Oil, Coriander Oil,Cypress Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Fennel Oil, Gardenia Oil, Geranium Oil,Ginger Oil, Grapefruit Oil, Hops Oil, Hyptis Oil, Indigo Bush Oil,Jasmine Oil, Juniper Oil, Kiwi Oil, Laurel Oil, Lavender Oil, LemongrassOil, Lemon Oil, Linden Oil, Lovage Oil, Mandarin Orange Oil, MatricariaOil, Musk Rose Oil, Nutmeg Oil, Olibanum, Orange Flower Oil, Orange Oil,Patchouli Oil, Pennyroyal Oil, Peppermint Oil, Pine Oil, Pine Tar Oil,Rose Hips Oil, Rosemary Oil, Rose Oil, Rue Oil, Sage Oil, Sambucus Oil,Sandalwood Oil, Sassafras Oil, Silver Fir Oil, Spearmint Oil, SweetMarjoram Oil, Sweet Violet Oil, Tar Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Thyme Oil, WildMint Oil, Yarrow Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, and the like, as well as mixturesthereof.

[0055] The preferred natural fats or oils include, but not limited to:Avocado Oil, Apricot Oil, Babassu Oil, Borage Oil, Camellia oil, Canolaoil, Castor Oil, Coconut oil, Corn Oil, Cottonseed Oil, Evening PrimroseOil, Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil, Hydrogenated Palm Kernal Oil, MaleatedSoybean Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Phospholipids, RapeseedOil, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, LaurylAlcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Benenyl Alcohol, Rose Hip Oil, Sunflower Oil,Soybean Oil, PROLIPID 141 (proprietary blend of Glyceryl Stearate, FattyAcids, Fatty Alcohols, and Phospholipids from International SpecialtyProducts, Wayne, N.J.) and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0056] The amount of sterols or sterol derivative or mixture thereof inthe oil based-hydrophobic composition can be from about 0.1 to about 10weight percent, more specifically from about 0.5 to about 5 weightpercent, and still more specifically from about 0.8 to about 1 weightpercent. As used herein, suitable sterols and sterol derivativesinclude, but are not limited to, the following materials: β-sterolshaving a tail on the 17 position and having no polar groups for examplecholesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, and ergosterol, as well as,C₁₀-C₃₀ cholesterol/lanosterol esters, cholecalciferol, cholesterylhydroxystearate, cholesteryl isostearate, cholesteryl stearate,7-dehydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesterol, dihydrocholesteryloctyidecanoate, dihydrolanosterol, dihydrolanosteryl octyldecanoate,ergocalciferol, tall oil sterol, soy sterol acetate, lanasterol, soysterol, avocado sterols, avocadin, sterol esters, and the like, as wellas mixtures thereof.

[0057] The amount of water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant surfactantcombination with an HLB range from about 3 to about 6 in the oilbased-hydrophobic composition can be from about 1 to about 20 weightpercent, more specifically from about 2 to about 10 weight percent, andstill more specifically from about 3 to about 8 weight percent.Emulsifying surfactants are employed typically in cosmetic preparationsto form emulsions of various components. The immiscible phase, such aswater and water soluble/dispersible materials, is dispersed as dropletsin the continuous phase, such as an oil.

[0058] The preferred surfactants and surfactant combinations with an HLBof from about 3 to about 6, include, but are not limited to: Sorbitanmonooleate, sorbitan sequioleate, sorbitan trioleate, glyceryl stearate,sorbitan stearate, sorbitan tristearate, and the like, as well asmixtures thereof.

[0059] The amount of humectant in the oil based-hydrophobic compositioncan be from about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent, more specifically fromabout 1 to about 15 weight percent, and still more specifically fromabout 3 to about 10 weight percent. Humectants are typically cosmeticingredients used to increase the water content of the top layers of theskin. This group of materials includes primarily hydroscopicingredients. As used herein, suitable humectants include, but are notlimited to, the following materials Acetamide MEA, Aloe Vera Gel,Arginine PCA, Chitosan PCA, Copper PCA, Corn Glycerides, DimethylImidazolidinone, Fructose, Glucamine, Glucose, Glucose Glutamate,Glucuronic Acid, Glutamic Acid, Glycereth-7, Glycereth-12, Glycereth-20,Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Honey, Hydrogenated Honey, Hydrogenated StarchHydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Lactamide MEA, Lactic Acid, LactoseLysine PCA, Mannitol, Methyl Gluceth-10, Methyl Gluceth-20, PCA, PEG-2Lactamide, PEG-10 Propylene Glycol, Polyamino Sugar Condensate,Potassium PCA, Propylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Citrate, SaccharideHydrolysate, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Aspartate, Sodium Lactate,Sodium PCA, Sorbitol, TEA-Lactate, TEA-PCA, Urea, Xylitol, and the like,as well as mixtures thereof.

[0060] The preferred humectants include, but are not limited to:Glycerin, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Propylene glycol, Sodium PCA,Sodium Lactate, Sorbitol and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0061] The amount of emollient in the oil based-hydrophobic compositioncan be from about 5 to about 95 weight percent, more specifically fromabout 15 to about 80 weight percent, and still more specifically fromabout 20 to about 65 weight percent. As used herein, suitable emollientsinclude, but are not limited to, the following materials: Mineral Oil,Mineral Jelly, Petrolatum, cosmetic esters, fatty esters, glycerylesters, alkoxylated carboxylic acids, alkoxylated alcohols, fattyalcohols, lanolin and lanolin derivatives, petrolatum base oils,silicones, fats, hydrogenated vegetable oils, polyhydroxy esters, andthe like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0062] The amount of wax in the oil based-hydrophobic composition can befrom about 5 to about 95 weight percent, more specifically from about 10to about 75 weight percent, and still more specifically from about 20 toabout 60 weight percent. As used herein, suitable waxes include, but arenot limited to, the following materials: natural and synthetic waxes,such as bayberry wax, beeswax, C₃₀ alkyl dimethicone, candelilla wax,carnuaba, ceresin, cetyl esters, hydrogenated cottonseed oil,hydrogenated jojoba oil, hydrogenated jojoba wax, hydrogenatedmicrocrystalline wax, hydrogenated rice bran wax, japan wax, jojobabutter, jojoba esters, jojoba wax, lanolin wax, microcrystalline wax,mink wax, motan acid wax, motan wax, ouricury wax, ozokerite, paraffin,PEG-6 beeswax, PEG-8 beeswax, rice bran wax, shellac wax, spent grainwax, steryl dimethicone synthetic beeswax, synthetic candelilla wax,synthetic carnuba wax, synthetic japan wax. Synthetic jojoba wax,synthetic wax, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0063] The preferred waxes include but are not limited to; carnuba,cerasin, cetyl esters, microcrystalline wax, montan wax, ozokerite,synthetic wax, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0064] The amount of viscosity enhancer in the oil based-hydrophobiccomposition can be from about 1 to about 25 weight percent, morespecifically from about 5 to about 20 weight percent, and still morespecifically from about 10 to about 15 weight percent. As used herein,suitable viscosity enhancers include, but are not limited to, thefollowing materials: the group consisting of polyolefin resins,polyolefin polymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene,and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0065] As used herein, the term ‘body facing material’0 includes, but isnot limited to, materials such as: body side liner; elastic material;tissue; intake and distribution material, absorbent material, including,but not limited to coform, woven and nonwoven materials, back sheetliner material, or any other material known in the art that are or canbe used in the construction of personal care absorbent articles, such asdiapers, training pants, absorbent underpants, adult incontinenceproduct, feminine hygiene products. The term ‘body facing material’ isunderstood to include materials that are both typically and lessfrequently in contact with the wearer's skin. The body facing materialof the present invention can be a single layer or multi-layers.

[0066] The composition of the present invention can be applied to aspecific portion or component of the absorbent article or to the entiresurface of the absorbent article that comes into contact with thewearer's skin during use of the absorbent article. In addition, thecomposition can be applied in varying concentration or depositionamounts on the skin contacting surface of the absorbent article orportion thereof. The compositions are applied such that the compositionswill be delivered via contact with the user's skin during the use of theabsorbent article. The compositions of the present invention can beapplied after the body facing material has been incorporated into theabsorbent article or prior to incorporating the body facing materialinto the absorbent article. The phrase ‘effective amount of thecomposition’ is understood to mean an amount of the composition of thepresent invention which, when applied to the body facing material, willbe effective in providing skin barrier enhancing benefits.

[0067] Some additional examples of materials that may serve as bodyfacing material in the present invention are discussed in the followingpatent applications: “Absorbent Article Having Improved Breathability”,U.S. Ser. No. 09/139,820, Attorney docket number 13,732, filed on Aug.25, 1998 with Michael J. Faulks and Pamela J. Mayberry as inventors;“Absorbent Article Having a High Air Exchange Rate”, U.S. Ser. No.09/139,824, Attorney docket number 13,827, filed on Aug. 25, 1998 withMichael J. Faulks, Pamela J. Mayberry, Sue C. Paul, Audra S. Wright, andFrank J. Akin as inventors; and, “Absorbent Article Having a ReducedGrowth of Candida Albican S”, U.S. Ser. No. 09/328,681, Attorney docketnumber 14,270, filed on Jun. 9, 1999 (claiming priority to a provisionalapplication filed Aug. 25, 1998 with U.S. Ser. No. 60/097,810 PROV) withMichael J. Faulks, Pamela J. Mayberry, Sue C. Paul, and Audra S. Wrightas inventors, the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference to the extent it is consistent herewith.

[0068] Resolidification of the melted oil based-hydrophobic compositioncan occur almost instantaneously, without the need for external coolingmeans such as chill rolls, if the composition is heated to a temperatureonly slightly above or at the melting point of the composition. However,external means such as chill rolls, either before or after theapplication of melt, can be used if desired to accelerateresolidification. Such instantaneous resolidification tends to impedepenetration of the composition into the bodyside liner 18 or tissuematerial 20 and retain it on the outer surface 28 of the bodyside liner18 or tissue material 20, which is advantageous. For example, thetemperature of the melted composition can advantageously be above themelting point about 10° C. or less, more specifically about 5° C. orless and still more specifically about 2° C. or less. As the temperatureof the melted composition approaches the melting point, the viscosity ofthe melted composition generally increases, which further enhances thetendency of the melted composition to be retained on the outer surface28.

[0069] For purposes herein, “melting point” is the temperature at whichthe majority of the melting occurs, it being recognized that meltingactually occurs over a range of temperatures. The melting point of thecompositions of this invention can be from about 30° C. to about 100°C., more specifically from about 40° C. to about 80° C., and still morespecifically from about 50° C. to about 60° C.

[0070] In addition, for purposes herein, “penetration hardness” is theneedle penetration in millimeters according to ASTM D 1321, “NeedlePenetration of Petroleum Waxes. Lower needle penetration hardness valuescorrespond to harder materials. The penetration hardness of thecompositions of this invention can be from about 5 to 360 millimeters,more specifically from about 5 to about 200 millimeters, morespecifically from about 20 to about 150 millimeters, and still morespecifically from about 40 to about 100 millimeters. (Formulationshaving a needle penetration hardness greater than 360 millimeters cannotbe measured using ASTM method D 1321).

[0071] The hardness of the formulations or compositions of thisinvention is important for two reasons. First, the softer theformulation the more mobile the formulation will be, making theformulation more likely to migrate to the interior of the bodyside liner18 or 20 as well as the absorbent core 14, which is not desirable.Secondly, softer formulations tend to be more greasy/oily to the touch,which is also less desirable. In general, formulations having a needlepenetration hardness of from about 200 to 360 millimeters feel creamy toslightly greasy with less smoothness (depending on additives).Formulations that have needle penetration hardness values of from about5 to about 200 millimeters feel silky to creamy and very smooth(depending on additives).

[0072] The melt point viscosity and/or the process temperature viscosityof the formulations or compositions of this invention is important fortwo reasons. First, the higher the melt point viscosity or the processtemperature viscosity as it is applied to the outer surface 28 of thebodyside liner 18 or tissue material 20, the formulation is less likelyto penetrate through to the inner surface 30 of the bodyside liner 18 ortissue material 20. The less the formulation is able to penetratethrough the bodyside liner 18 or tissue material 20, the moreformulation on the outer surface 28 of the bodyside liner 18 or tissuematerial 20 where the formulation can readily transfer to the surface ofthe wearer's skin.

[0073] Secondly, the higher the viscosity of the formulation at or abovethe melting point of the formulation, the less likely the formulationwill migrate at typical or adverse storage conditions.

[0074] In order to better enhance the benefits to consumers, additionalingredients can be used. The classes of ingredients and theircorresponding benefits include, without limitation: antifoaming agents(reduce the tendency of foaming during processing); antimicrobialactives; antifungal actives; antiseptic actives; antioxidants (productintegrity to prevent oxidation of natural oils and other ingredients onthe formulation or composition); astringents—cosmetic (induce atightening or tingling sensation on skin); astringent—drug (a drugproduct which checks oozing, discharge, or bleeding when applied to skinor mucous membrane and works by coagulating protein); biologicaladditives (enhance the performance or consumer appeal of the productincluding vitamins); colorants (impart color to the product); deodorants(reduce or eliminate unpleasant odor and protect against the formationof malodor on body surfaces); emollients (help to maintain the soft,smooth, and pliable appearance of the skin by their ability to remain onthe skin surface or in the stratum corneum to act as lubricants, toreduce flaking, and to improve the skin's appearance); film formers (tohold active ingredients on the skin by producing a continuous film onskin upon drying); fragrances (consumer appeal); lubricants, such assilicones and organomodified silicones; natural moisturizing agents(NMF) and other skin moisturizing ingredients known in the art; skinconditioning agents; skin exfoliating agents (ingredients that increasethe rate of skin cell turnover such as alpha hydroxy acids and betahydroxyacids); skin protectants (a drug product which protects injuredor exposed skin or mucous membrane surface from harmful or annoyingstimuli); solvents (liquids employed to dissolve components found usefulin the cosmetics or drugs); UV absorbers; and, surfactants (as cleansingagents solubilizing agents, suspending agents, and wetting agents).

[0075] The minimum level of the composition to be applied to thebodyside liner 18 or tissue material 20 is an amount effective forreducing abrasion or irritation of the skin of the wearer. The totalbodyside liner 18 or tissue material 20 add-on of the composition can befrom about 0.05 to about 100 mg/cm², desirably from about 1 to about 50mg/cm² and more desirably from about 10 to about 40 mg/cm² based on theweight of the bodyside liner 18 or tissue material 20. The add-on amountwill depend upon the desired effect of the composition on the productattributes and the specific composition.

[0076] A preferred method to uniformly apply the heated composition tothe outer surface 28 of the web of the bodyside liner 18 or tissuematerial 20 is spraying or slot-coating. However, other methods, such asflexographic, roto-gravure printing, and spraying, such as WEKO, can beused.

[0077] As used herein, all recited ranges of amounts, temperatures,molecular weights and penetration hardnesses are intended to include allsub-ranges within the recited ranges, even though not specificallystated.

[0078] As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to articlesor products that are used to absorb and contain bodily fluids.Disposable absorbent articles 10 include such products as diapers,training pants, adult incontinence articles, absorbent under pants, andfeminine care products that have been used to absorb body fluids andleave the skin dry.

[0079] Disposable absorbent articles 10 of this type generally comprisea liquid impermeable back sheet member 12, an absorbent core 14 orabsorbent assembly 16, and a liquid permeable bodyside liner 18. (SeeFIGS. 1 and 2.) It is the bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20that comes into contact with the wearer's skin. Typically, the backsheet member 12 is joined to the bodyside liner 18 with the absorbentcore 14 disposed between the back sheet member 12 and the bodyside liner18. A general description of these components, the back sheet member 12,the bodyside liner 18, and the absorbent core 14, will be discussedbelow.

[0080] In general, the absorbent core 14 absorbs and retains bodilyfluids, such as urine, menses, and other body exudates. The absorbentcore 14 is preferably compressible, conformable, and non-irritating tothe wearer's skin. The absorbent core 14 may take a variety of sizes andshapes, such as rectangular, oval, hourglass, “T” shaped, asymmetric,dog bone, and the like. The absorbent core 14 may be comprised of a widevariety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in absorbentarticles 10. Absorbent cores 14 typically include a porous fibrousmatrix 22 and high absorbency material 24.

[0081] The porous fibrous matrix 22 of absorbent core 14 is preferablyan air laid batt of fluff and high absorbency material 24 which may beformed in many ways, for example according to the teaching of Mazurakand Fries as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,782 the entire disclosureof which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent it isconsistent herewith. The absorbent core 14 can comprise an air-formedmixture of high absorbency material 24 (SAP) and fibers 22, preferablyof fluff pulp. The mixing of the fluff fibers 22 and the high absorbencymaterial 24 can be homogeneous, graduated, or layered. Also, the fibers22, other than fluff pulp such as chemically stiffened andthermo-mechanical pulps, can be used.

[0082] In addition, the absorbent core 14 can comprise absorbentmaterial other than air formed fluff 22 and SAP 24. For example, coformmaterials as referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,464 to Lau and U.S. Pat.No. 4,100,324 to Anderson can be used to make the absorbent as long asthey also contain high absorbency materials. In addition, wet formedcomposite materials comprising a combination of fibers and highabsorbency materials as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,862 to Andersonet al. can also be used. Stabilized air-laid materials comprising amixture of fibers, binder fibers, and high absorbency materials whichare bound together by latex binding or through air bonding are alsousable as absorbent materials. Additionally, any material known in theart that serves to absorb body exudates can be used to construct theabsorbent core 14 as shown in the present invention.

[0083] The high absorbency materials 24 are typically hydrogel polymersthat are desirably sufficiently cross-linked to render the materialssubstantially water-insoluble. Cross-linking may, for example, be byirradiation or by covalent, ionic, van der Waals or hydrogen bonding.Suitable materials are available from various commercial vendors, suchas Dow Chemical Company (Drytech 2035 LD), Hoechst-Celanese Corporationand Allied-Colloid. Typically, the high-absorbency material 24 iscapable of absorbing at least about 15 times its weight in water, anddesirably is capable of absorbing more than about 25 times its weight inwater.

[0084] The high-absorbency material 24 can be distributed or otherwiseincorporated into the absorbent core 14 employing various techniques.For example, the high-absorbency material 24 can be substantiallyuniformly distributed among the fibers 22 comprising the absorbent core14. The material 24 can also be non-uniformly distributed within thefibers 22 of the absorbent core 14 to form a generally continuousgradient with either an increasing or decreasing concentration ofhigh-absorbency material 24, as determined by observing theconcentration moving inward from the back sheet member 12.Alternatively, the high-absorbency material 24 can comprise a discretelayer separate from the fibers 22 of the absorbent core 14, or cancomprise a discrete layer integral with the absorbent core 14.

[0085] The absorbent core 14 may also include a wrap layer 26 to helpmaintain the integrity of the fibrous absorbent core 14. (See FIG. 2.)This wrap layer 26 may comprise a cellulosic tissue or spunbond,meltblown or bonded-carded web material composed of synthetic polymerfilaments, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters or the likeor natural polymer filaments such as rayon or cotton. The wrap layer 26may be made of the same materials as those used in the bodyside liner 18or be made of materials differing from those used in the bodyside liner18. In some cases, the bodyside liner 18 may be absent, and the wraplayer 26, also referred to as tissue material 20, will serve as thebodyside layer 18 of the absorbent article 10, coming in contact withthe wearer's skin.

[0086] The absorbent core 14 can include additional components to assistin the acquisition, distribution, and storage of bodily exudates, suchas a dusting layer, a transport layer, a wicking oracquisition/distribution layer, an intake layer, or a surge layer. SeeU.S. Pat. No. 4,798,603 issued Jan. 17, 1989, to Meyer et al., or asurge management layer, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,166issued Jan. 23, 1996, to Bishop et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,382 issuedNov. 15, 1994, to Latimer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,846 to Ellis etal., U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,629 to Latimer et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,509,915to Hanson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,606 to Proxmire et al.

[0087] The bodyside liner 18 consists of a nonwoven or other softmaterial for contacting the wearer's skin. The bodyside liner 18 has anouter (exterior) surface 28 that faces toward the wearer and an inner(interior) surface 30 that faces away from the wearer. The bodysideliner 18 is described in more detail below. The bodyside liner 18 iscompliant and soft feeling to the wearer. The bodyside liner 18 may beany soft, flexible, porous sheet that is aqueous liquid permeable,permitting aqueous liquids to readily penetrate into its thickness. Asuitable bodyside liner 18 may be manufactured from a wide range ofmaterials, such as natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers),synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers) or from acombination of natural and synthetic fibers or reticulated foams andapertured plastic films.

[0088] The bodyside liner 18 is formed of an aqueous liquid permeablematerial so that aqueous liquid waste, and possibly semi-solid waste aswell, can pass through to the absorbent core 14 and be absorbed by theabsorbent core 14 of the absorbent article 10. A suitable bodyside liner18 may be comprised of a nonwoven web, a spunbond, meltblown orbonded-carded web composed of synthetic polymer filaments or fibers,such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters or the like, aperforated film, or a web or natural polymer filaments or fibers such asrayon or cotton.

[0089] In addition, the bodyside liner 18 may be treated with asurfactant to aid in aqueous liquid transfer. Suitably, the bodysideliner 18 is a nonwoven spunbond. Suitably, the spunbond material isavailable from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, located in Roswell, Ga. Thebodyside liner 18 has a weight from about 0.3 oz. per square yard (osy)to about 2.0 osy and alternatively about 0.5 osy. The bodyside liner 18of the underpant maybe printed, colored or decoratively embossed. Thebodyside liner 18 can also be a nonwoven web or sheet of polyolefinfibers, such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, Rayon, chissoand the like. The bodyside liner 18 may also be a plastic film withperforations, an expanded plastic webbing material or a scrim material.The bodyside liner 18 has a pore size that readily allows the passagetherethrough of air, sweat, and perspiration due to the breathability ofthe material. The bodyside liner 18 may be selectively embossed orperforated with discrete slits or holes extending therethrough.

[0090] Ideally, the fabric of the bodyside liner 18 is surface treatedwith a surfactant such as that commercially available from Union CarbideChemicals and Plastics Company, Inc., of Danbury, Conn., U.S.A. underthe trade designation TRITON X-102. As used herein, the term “fabric”refers to all of the woven, knitted and nonwoven fibrous webs. The term“nonwoven web” means a web of material that is formed without the aid ofa textile weaving or knitting process.

[0091] As an alternate material, an aqueous liquid permeable bodysideliner 18 can be made of a carded web of polyester fibers bonded to aspunbonded polypropylene or polyethylene carrier sheet. The cardedmaterial is made up of about 20 to about 60 weight percent polypropyleneor polyethylene and about 80 to about 40 weight percent polyester. Thebasis weight of this material can be between about 30 gsm and about 70gsm.

[0092] The back sheet member 12 is needed to prevent aqueous liquidstrike through to the outer clothing when bodily fluid is dischargedonto the absorbent core 14 of the absorbent article 10. The back sheetmember 12 typically consists of an aqueous liquid impermeable film suchas polyethylene. The aqueous liquid impermeable back sheet member 12 hasan outer (exterior) surface 32 that faces away from the wearer and aninner (interior) surface 34 that faces toward the wearer. Inconstruction of the disposable absorbent article 10, the back sheetmember 12, acting as a barrier, should retard the movement of theaqueous liquid through the absorbent article 10 by making the back sheetmember 12 resistant to penetration normally encountered under wearingconditions. The back sheet member 12 desirably comprises a material thatis formed or treated to be aqueous liquid impermeable.

[0093] Alternatively, the back sheet member 12 may comprise an aqueousliquid permeable material and other suitable means (not shown), such asan aqueous liquid impermeable layer associated with the absorbent core14 may be provided to impede aqueous liquid movement away from theabsorbent core 14 of the absorbent article 10. The disposable absorbentarticle 10 may be rendered aqueous liquid impermeable by any method wellknown in the art such as coating the absorbent core 14 or by securing aseparate aqueous liquid impermeable material to the absorbent core 14.The back sheet member 12 may comprise a thin, aqueous liquid impermeableweb or sheet of plastic film such as polyethylene, polypropylene,polyvinyl chloride or similar material. Other acceptable materialsinclude a single spunbonded layer of the above types of materials, twolayers of spunbonded and meltblown materials or a three-layer materialof spunbonded- meltblown-spunbonded material. Suitable foam materialsmay also be used, as well as materials that are both aqueous liquidimpermeable and vapor-permeable.

[0094] Alternately, the back sheet member 12 may comprise a nonwoven,fibrous web which has been suitably constructed and arranged to have lowaqueous liquid permeability. Still alternately, the back sheet member 12may comprise a layered or laminated material, such as a thermally bondedplastic film and nonwoven web composite. Alternatively, the back sheetmember 12 consists of a aqueous liquid impermeable film or foam which ispermeable to water vapor under normal wearing conditions. Morepreferred, the back sheet member 12 has a water vapor transmission rateof at least about 800 grams/m²/24 hours measured by ASTM E96-92. Oneexample of a suitable film is a 39.4 grams per square meter microporousfilm produced by Mitsui and sold by Consolidated Thermoplastics (CT)under the tradename of ESPOIR® N-TAF-CT.

[0095] The absorbent articles 10 may also include elastic members 36 inthe waist 42 (in absorbent articles 10 such as under pants and briefs),in the regions surrounding the leg openings 38 and 40, in the waistportions (not shown) as fit elastics (in absorbent articles 10 such asunder pants), in side panels (not shown) (in absorbent articles 10 suchas briefs and under pants), and in flap or barrier structures (notshown). The elastic members 36 may be in the form of strips, ribbons,connected ribbons or strips, sheets, strands, bands, threads, filaments,or any combination of these shapes and others known to the art. Theelastic members 36 may also be of latent elastic material that isactivated after placement in the absorbent articles 10.

[0096] The compositions of the present invention are solid or semisolidat 30° C. As used herein, the term “semisolid” refers to a compositionhaving a rheology typical of pseudoplastic or plastic fluids. Becausethe compositions are in at as least a semisolid state at ambienttemperatures, migration of the composition is minimized. Thecompositions, being solid or semisolid at ambient temperatures, do nothave the tendency to migrate into the interior of the bodyside liner 18or the tissue material 20 and ultimately into the absorbent article 10to which the composition has been applied. The compositions aretransferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact, movement of thewearer, or the body heat of the wearer.

[0097] The bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20 contains aneffective amount of the composition of the present invention. As usedherein, the term “bodyside liner” is used interchangeably with the term“tissue material”. As used herein, the phrase “effective amount of thecomposition” refers to an amount of the composition which, when appliedto a bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20, will be effective inreducing abrasion and irritation.

[0098] The composition is applied to the outer surface 28 of thebodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20 of the absorbent article 10.Any of a variety of application methods that evenly distributelubricious materials having a molten or liquid consistency can be used.Suitable methods include spraying, slot coating, printing (such asflexographic printing), coating (such as gravure coating), extrusion, orcombinations of these methods, such as spraying the composition on arotating surface, then transferring the composition to the outer surface28 of the bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20.

[0099] The manner of applying the composition to the bodyside liner 18or the tissue material 20 should be such that the bodyside liner 18 orthe tissue material 20 does not become saturated with the composition.If the bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20 becomes saturatedwith the composition, the fluid permeability of the bodyside liner 18 orthe tissue material 20 may be reduced or blocked. In addition,saturation of the bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20 is notnecessary to obtain therapeutic or protective benefits from thecomposition of the present invention.

[0100] A variety of fastening means 44 can be used for securing theabsorbent article 10 around or in contact with the wearer including tapefasteners, belts, ties, disposable and reusable garments, and mechanicaltype fasteners. The mechanical type fasteners include buttons, buttonholes, snaps, buckles, clasps, hooks and loops, end extensions, tabs,and the like which are designed or adapted to interlock or engage sometype of a complimentary device or the outer cover of the absorbentarticle 10. Suitable engaging elements for such mechanical closureelements include self-engaging geometric shaped materials, such ashooks, loops, snaps, buckles, bulbs, mushrooms, arrowheads, balls onstems, male and female mating components, or the like. In addition,elasticized fasteners are also used in assuring better fit of suchabsorbent articles 10. Examples of some fastening systems and securementmembers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,789 to Kuen; U.S. Pat. No.5,405,342 to Roessler et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,302 to Roessler etal.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,219 to Roessler et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,386,595to Kuen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,262 to Keuhn, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 5,318,555 to Siebers et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,162 to Kuen; U.S.Pat. No. 5,288,546 to Roessler et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,671 toRoessler et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,671 to Roessler et al.; and, U.S.Pat. No. 5,019,073 to Roessler et al.

[0101] The disposable absorbent articles 10 may also include flap orgasket structures (not shown). These flap or gasket structures can beassembled in a number of different configurations, including thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,116 issued to Enloe on Nov. 3, 1987,U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,823 issued to Enloe on Jul. 11, 1989, U.S. Pat. No.5,413,570 issued to Enloe on May 9, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,644 issuedto Enloe on May 16, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,338 issued to Enloe onFeb. 4, 1997.

[0102] The compositions of the present invention may be applied to theentire outer surface 28 of the bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material20 or portions thereof. Preferably, the composition is applied in astripe or pattern aligned with a centered on the longitudinal centerline46 of the disposable absorbent article 10. (See FIG. 1.) The dimensionsof the stripe or pattern will vary with the different absorbent articles10 to which the composition is being applied.

[0103] The compositions of the present invention may be appliednon-uniformly to the outer surface 28 of the bodyside liner 18 or thetissue material 20. The term “non-uniformly”, as used herein, refers tothe amount, pattern of distribution, thickness of the application, orthe like, of the composition can be varied over the outer surface 28 ofthe bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20. The composition couldbe applied to the inner surface 30 of the bodyside liner 18 or thetissue material 20, alone or in combination with the application of thecomposition to the outer surface 28.

[0104] The compositions of the present invention can be applied to thebodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20 at any point during assemblyof the absorbent article 10. For example, the raw material web beingformed into the bodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20 may betreated with the composition before the web is processed into thebodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20; the bodyside liner 18 orthe tissue material 20 may be treated with the composition before beingincorporated into the absorbent article 10; and, the bodyside liner 18or the tissue material 20 may be treated with the composition after thebodyside liner 18 or the tissue material 20 has been incorporated intothe absorbent article 10.

EXAMPLES

[0105] The following examples are presented to provide a more detailedunderstanding of the invention. The particular materials and parametersare exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0106] The following formulas are used in Examples 1-3. weight percentFormula 1 Petrolatum  93.7% Glycerin  5% PROLIPID 141  1.0%(International Specialty Products, Wayne, NJ) Tocopherol acetate  0.3%Formula 2 Petrolatum  88.7% Glycerin  5% PROLIPID 141  1.0%(International Specialty Products, Wayne, NJ) Tocopherol acetate  0.3%Avocadin (CRODA)  5.0% Formula 3 Petrolatum  83.7% Glycerin  5%Tocopherol acetate  0.3% Sunflower oil  9.2% Soy sterol  0.8% PROLIPID141 (ISP)  1.0% (International Specialty Products, Wayne, NJ) Formula 4Petrolatum 100% Formula 5 Petrolatum  85.4% Glycerin  5% Glycerylmonoleate  3% Borage oil  3% Soy sterol  3% Aloe  0.3% Tocopherolacetate  0.3% Formula 6 Petrolatum  86.4 Glycerin  5% Glyceryl monoleate 3% Borage oil  3% Soy sterol  1% PROLIPID 141(ISP) 1.0% (InternationalSpecialty Products, Wayne, NJ) Aloe  0.3% Tocopherol acetate  0.3%Formula 7 1) Glycerin  5.00 2) Prolipid 141  1.00 3) Soya Sterol  0.804) Sunflower Oil  10.00 5) Petrolatum USP  43.20 6) Allyson Wax AE-1692 40.00 Formula 8 1) Petrolatum USP  60.00 2) Allyson Wax AE-1692  38.903) Butyl paraben  0.20 Formula 9 1) Petrolatum USP  60.00 2) StearylAlcohol  40.00

Example 1

[0107] Lipid-enriched formulations for treatment of absorbent articlespromote barrier repair as measured by TEWL.

[0108] All studies were conducted in a temperature and humiditycontrolled room (71°±5° F.; 40%±5% relative humidity).

Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL)

[0109] The volar forearm of 24 panelists were abraded by an emery clothto increase TEWL levels to 18-20 g/m²/hr. After abrasion, fifteenmicroliters of a hydrophobic lipid-enriched formulation was topicallyapplied to the volar forearm. TEWL measurements were obtained using aDermalab evaporimeter instrument at 1, 2, and 4 hours. Mean TEWL valuesare expressed in Table 1. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to adjust forthe repeated TEWL measures. TABLE 1 TEWL (g/m²/hr) Results-Lipid-enriched absorbent article formulations PIR 1 Hour 2 Hour 4 HourMean Mean Mean Mean Formula 1 19.8 6.6 * 6.6 * 79 * Formula 2 18.3 6.4 *6.6 * 73 * Formula 3 19.2 6.5 * 6.5 * 71 * Untreated 19.2 15.2   14.3  14.3  

[0110] The above data clearly demonstrates that the lipid-enrichedformulations improve skin barrier repair.

Example 2

[0111] Lipid-enriched formulations for treatment of absorbent articlesenhance skin moisturization as measured by conductance.

[0112] All studies were conducted in a temperature and humiditycontrolled room (71°± 5° F.; 40%±5% relative humidity).

Conductance

[0113] Fifteen microliters of a hydrophobic lipid-enriched formulationfor an absorbent article was topically applied to the volar forearm.Conductance measurements were obtained using the Skicon instrument at 1,2, 4, and 6 hours. Mean conductance values are expressed in Table 2. Apair-wise comparison for each time period using univariate ANOVAs wasapplied. TABLE 2 Conductance-Lipid-enriched formulations for absorbentarticles Baseline 1 Hour 2 Hour 4 Hour 6 Hour Mean Mean Mean Mean MeanFormula 1 202 370* 357* 335* 310* Formula 2 220 344* 349* 333* 319*Formula 3 220 342* 340* 333* 320* Untreated 200 220  235  232  223 

[0114] The above data clearly demonstrates that the lipid-enrichedformulations improve skin barrier moisturization.

Example 3

[0115] Lipid-enriched formulations for treatment of absorbent articlesenhance skin moisturization as measured by conductance.

[0116] All studies were conducted in a temperature and humiditycontrolled room (71°± 5° F.; 40%±5% relative humidity).

Conductance

[0117] Fifteen microliters of lipid-enriched formulation for anabsorbent article was topically applied to the volar forearm.Conductance measurements were obtained at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours. Meanconductance values for the baseline, 4, and 6 hour timepoints areexpressed in Table 3. A pair-wise comparison for each time period usingunivariate ANOVAs was applied. TABLE 3 Conductance-Lipid-enrichedformulations for an absorbent article Baseline 4 Hour 6 Hour Mean MeanMean Formula 4 187 243  247  Formula 5 179 281* 289* Formula 6 195 295*297* Untreated 194 210  215 

[0118] The above data clearly demonstrates that the lipid-enrichedformulations improve skin barrier moisturization.

Example 4

[0119] Lipid-enriched liners enhance skin barrier as measured bytransepidermal water loss (TEWL) and exclusion of water-soluble insult.

[0120] All studies were conducted in a temperature and humiditycontrolled room (71° F.±5° F.; 40±5% relative humidity). Prior to thestart of the study, the volar forearms of 20 panelists were washed toremove any endogenous surface oils. Briefly, each arm was lathered usingIvory soap for 30 seconds. The lather remained on the arm for 90 secondsbefore a through rinsing. The arms were patted dry and a twenty minutewait period was required prior to obtaining baseline TEWL andchromameter readings.

[0121] The study included four test products and an untreated controlsite. The test products included liners treated with formulas 7, 8, 9,or an untreated liner. The add on level of treatment to each liner wasapproximately 0.2 g treatment/liner.

TEWL

[0122] After obtaining a baseline TEWL measurement using a Dermalabevaporimeter instrument, the forearm was wiped with a folded liner. Theliner was folded in half lengthwise and wiped across the arm site 5times, opened, then refolded to expose a new surface and again wiped 5times. All wipings were done with the treated side of the liner. Thisprocedure was repeated every 15 minutes for a total of 30 cycles. TEWLand chromameter reading were taken after the last cycle. Least square ofthe mean of the last TEWL reading with baseline values subtracted areexpressed in Table 4. TEWL values were found to decrease due to recoveryof the barrier after the washout as well as due to deposition of thelotion treatment. Significant differences were found between the meansof the codes. TABLE 4 TEWL (g/m2/hr) Results-Lipid enriched liner TEWLUntreated, control site −0.69 Untreated liner −0.60 Liner treated withformula 7 −1.28* Liner treated with formula 8 −0.92 Liner treated withformula 9 −0.97

[0123] The above data clearly demonstrates that liners treated withlipid-enriched formulations improve skin barrier function afterrepetitive wiping.

Chromameter

[0124] The wiped skin sites were then challenged with a water solubledye (0.5% methylene blue) by adding 300 microliters of the dye to aHillTop chamber. A chamber was placed on each site and pressed downgently to ensure contact with the skin. After 1 minute of contact thechamber was removed and the arm rinsed under water for 30 seconds. Eachsite was blotted dry and a chromameter reading was obtained. A controlsite was included on one arm for the ability to determine the extent ofdye uptake on untreated skin. The chromameter readings were recorded inthe L, a, b scale. L is luminosity, a is red/green (positivevalues=red), and b is yellow/blue (positive values= yellow). Since the bvalue is most relevant for a methylene blue dye uptake study, only thisdata was analyzed in detail. The results are expressed in Table 5 as theleast square of the mean with the post wiping baseline readingssubtracted out. TABLE 5 Chromameter Results-Lipid enriched liner b valueUntreated, control site −18.11 Untreated liner −21.13** Liner treatedwith formula 7 −12.63* Liner treated with formula 8 −18.93 Liner treatedwith formula 9 −18.78

[0125] The above data clearly demonstrates that liner withlipid-enriched formulations prevent uptake of methylene blue dyesignificantly better than all other treatments indicating protectionagainst water soluble materials.

[0126] Thus, the Examples representatively illustrate that thelipid-enriched hydrophobic composition of the present invention mayprovide absorbent articles having improved softness as well as providingimproved protection of the skin barrier function. Accordingly, thedifferent aspects of the present invention can advantageously provideabsorbent articles which, when compared to conventional absorbentarticles, are softer and have improved protection of skin barrierfunction. Such absorbent articles can advantageously be used fordiapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, underpants, andfeminine care products and the like.

[0127] While the invention has been described in detail with respect tothe specific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilledin the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, mayreadily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents tothese aspects. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.

We claim:
 1. A body facing material having an outer surface, wherein theouter surface of said material has a composition that enhances skinbarrier comprising: from about 0.1 to about 95 weight percent of naturalfats or oils; from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of sterols orsterol derivatives; from about 1 to about 20 weight percent ofwater-in-oil emulsifying surfactant with an HLB range from about 3 toabout 6; from about 0.5 to about 20 weight percent of humectant; fromabout 5 to about 95 weight percent of emollient; from about 5 to about95 weight percent of wax; and, from about 1 to about 25 weight percentof viscosity enhancer.
 2. The material of claim 1 , wherein saidcomposition having a melting point from about 30° C. to about 100° C. 3.The material of claim 1 , wherein said composition has a processviscosity of greater than about 50 centipoise.
 4. The material of claim1 , wherein said composition has a penetration hardness of from about 5millimeters to about 360 millimeters.
 5. The material of claim 1 ,wherein the add-on amount of said composition is from about 0.1 gramsper meter squared (g/m²) to about 30 g/m² of said material.
 6. Thematerial of claim 1 , wherein said natural fat or oil is sunflower oil.7. The material of claim 1 , wherein said natural fat or oil is borageoil.
 8. The material of claim 1 , wherein said natural fat or oil isavocado oil.
 9. The material of claim 1 , wherein said sterol or sterolderivative is soy sterol.
 10. The material of claim 1 , wherein saidsterol or sterol derivative is cholesterol.
 11. The material of claim 1, wherein said sterol or sterol derivative is lanasterol.
 12. Thematerial of claim 1 , wherein said humectant is glycerin.
 13. Thematerial of claim 1 , wherein said humectant is sorbitol.
 14. Thematerial of claim 1 , wherein said humectant is hydrodrogenated starchhydrolyzate.
 15. The material of claim 1 , wherein said emulsifyingsurfactant is sorbitan oleate.
 16. The material of claim 1 , whereinsaid emulsifying surfactant is glyceryl stearate.
 17. The material ofclaim 1 , wherein said emulsifying surfactant is sorbitan stearate. 18.The material of claim 1 , wherein said emollient is petrolatum.
 19. Thematerial of claim 1 , wherein said emollient is mineral oil.
 20. Thematerial of claim 1 , wherein said emollient is cosmetic esters.
 21. Thematerial of claim 1 , wherein said wax is ozokerite.
 22. The material ofclaim 1 , wherein said wax is cerasin.
 23. The material of claim 1 ,wherein said wax is microcrystalline wax.
 24. The material of claim 1 ,wherein said viscosity enhancer is ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer. 25.The material of claim 1 , wherein said viscosity enhancer ispolyethylene.
 26. A method of making a body facing material, having anouter surface, comprising: (a) heating a skin barrier enhancingcomposition comprising a natural fat or oil, a sterol or sterolderivative, a humectant, a water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant having anHLB range from about 3 to about 6, an emollient, a wax, and a viscosityenhancer, to a temperature above the melting point of the composition,causing the composition to melt, said composition having a melting pointof from about 30° C. to about 100° C.; (b) applying the meltedcomposition to the outer surface of a body facing material; and (c)resolidifying the melted composition.
 27. The method of claim 26 ,wherein, said resolidified composition having a process viscosity ofgreater than about 50 centipoise.
 28. The method of claim 26 , whereinsaid resolidified composition has a penetration hardness of from about 5to about 360 millimeters.
 29. The method of claim 26 , wherein saidmelted composition is applied by spraying.
 30. The method of claim 26 ,wherein said melted composition is applied by slot coating.
 31. Themethod of claim 26 , wherein said melted composition is applied byprinting.
 32. A skin barrier enhancing composition comprising from about0.1 to about 95 weight percent of natural fats or oils, from about 0.1to about 10 weight percent of sterols and sterol derivatives, from about1 to about 20 weight percent of water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant withan HLB range from about 3 to about 6, from about 0.5 to about 20 weightpercent of humectant, from about 5 to about 95 weight percent ofemollient, from about 5 to about 95 weight percent of wax, and fromabout 1 to about 25 weight percent of viscosity enhancer.
 33. Thecomposition of claim 32 , wherein said composition having a meltingpoint from about 30° C. to about 100° C.
 34. The composition of claim 32, wherein said resolidified composition has a process viscosity greaterthan about 50 centipoise.
 35. The composition of claim 32 , wherein saidresolidified composition has a penetration hardness of from about 5 toabout 360 millimeters.
 36. The composition of claim 32 , wherein saidnatural fats or oils is selected from the group consisting of: avocadooil, apricot oil, babassu oil, borage oil, camellia oil, canola oil,castor oil, chamomile, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, eveningprimrose oil, hemp seed, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated palmkernel oil, maleated soybean oil, meadowfoam oil, palm kernel oil,phospholipids, rapeseed oil, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid,rose hip oil, safflower, sunflower oil, soybean oil, sweet almond, orderivatives of natural fats or oils such as stearyl alcohol, laurylalcohol, myristyl alcohol, and benenyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.37. The composition of claim 32 , wherein said sterol and sterolderivative is selected from the group consisting of: cholesterol,sitosterol, stigmasterol, and ergosterol, lanasterol, soy sterol,avocado sterols, avocadin, sterol esters, and mixtures thereof.
 38. Thecomposition of claim 32 , wherein said sterol is natural extracts thatcontain sterols or sterol derivatives selected from the group consistingof: lanolin, avocadin, and mixtures thereof.
 39. The composition ofclaim 32 , wherein said emulsifying surfactant is selected from thegroup consisting of: sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sequioleate, sorbitantrioleate, glyceryl stearate, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan tristearate,and mixtures thereof.
 40. The composition of claim 32 , wherein saidhumectant is selected from the group consisting of: glycerin,hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, propylene glycol, sodium PCA, sodiumlactate, sorbitol, and mixtures thereof.
 41. The composition of claim 32, wherein said emollient is selected from the group consisting of:mineral oils, mineral jellys, petrolatum, cosmetic esters, and mixturesthereof.
 42. The composition of claim 32 , wherein said wax is selectedfrom the group consisting of: carnuba, cerasin, cetyl esters,microcrystalline wax, montan wax, ozokerite, synthetic wax, and mixturesthereof.
 43. The composition of claim 32 , wherein said viscosityenhancer is selected from the group consisting of: polyolefin resins,polyolefin polymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, polyethylene andmixtures thereof.
 44. The composition of claim 32 , wherein the amountof said natural fats or oils is from about 0.1 to about 95 weightpercent.
 45. The composition of claim 32 , wherein the amount of saidsterols and sterol derivatives is from about 0.1 to about 10 percent.46. The composition of claim 32 , wherein the amount of said emulsifyingsurfactant is from about 1 to about 20 weight percent.
 47. Thecomposition of claim 32 , wherein the amount of said humectant is fromabout 0.5 to about 20 weight percent.
 48. The composition of claim 32 ,wherein the amount of said emollient is from about 5 to about 95 weightpercent.
 49. The composition of claim 32 , wherein the amount of saidwax is from about 5 to about 95 weight percent.
 50. The composition ofclaim 32 , wherein the amount of said viscosity enhancer is from about 1to about 25 weight percent.
 51. A method forenhancing/restoring/maintaining skin barrier function skin of a user,comprising the steps of: a) contacting a body facing material on saidskin of said user wherein said material comprises a skin barrierenhancing/restoring/maintaining composition that provides a skin barrierenhancing/restoring/maintaining benefit upon transfer of saidcomposition to said user's skin; b) transferring at least a portion ofsaid composition during use of said body facing material; and, c)repeating steps a) and b) with one or more additional body facingmaterial with sufficient frequency to enhance/restore/maintain said skinbarrier in an area of skin contacted by said body facing material,relative to skin contacted by an equivalent body facing material thatdoes not comprise said skin barrier enhancing/restoring/maintainingcomposition, wherein said skin barrier enhancing/restoring/maintainingcomposition comprises: from about 0.1 to about 95 weight percent ofnatural fats or oils, from about 0.1 to about 10 weight percent ofsterols and sterol derivatives, from about 1 to about 20 weight percentof water-in-oil emulsifying surfactant having an HLB range from about 3to about 6, from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent of humectant, fromabout 5 to about 95 weight percent of emollient, from about 5 to about95 weight percent of wax, and from about 1 to about 25 weight percent ofviscosity enhancer.
 52. The method of claim 51 , wherein saidcomposition having a melting point from about 30° C. to about 100° C.53. The method of claim 51 , wherein said resolidified composition has aprocess viscosity greater than about 50 centipoise.
 54. The method ofclaim 51 , wherein said resolidified composition has a penetrationhardness of from about 5 to about 360 millimeters.
 55. The method ofclaim 51 , wherein said body facing material comprising saidskin-barrier enhancing/restoring/maintaining composition are used bysaid user on each use occasion.
 56. The method of claim 51 , whereinsaid body facing material which do not comprise a skin-barrierenhancing/restoring/maintaining composition are used by said userintermittently.
 57. The method of claim 51 , wherein said body facingmaterial comprising said skin-barrier enhancing/restoring/maintainingcomposition are used by a user whose skin is compromised and are usedwith sufficient frequency to improve skin-barrier function.